Astypalea, the butterfly island is located at the west of Dodecanese islands and is closest to Cyclades. It is a picturesque island wit high rocks and hills, beautiful coastal settlements and villages, magic and clear beaches. It is the ideal summer resort for those wanting quiet and relaxed holidays.
The tourist infrastructure is very good: there are small traditional hotels, apartments and rooms to let, taverns where you can taste fresh fish and some local recipes, coffee shops and bars.
ASTYPALEA or Chora the capital and port of the island is a beautiful Aegean town with brilliant white houses, windmills, and narrow streets ascending to the Venetian castle on the top of the hill. It was built by the Guerini family at the 13th century, on the ruins of Ancient Acropolis. Below the castle is the church of the Panagia Portaitissa, which has a superb wood-carved icon covered with fine gold leaf. The church celebrates the 15th August with a three-day festival.
A short distance from Chora are the monasteries of Agia Livyi and of Agios Ioannis with the castle of Ai-Gianni opposite on a naturally strong site.
The coastal settlement ANALIPSI or Maltezana, which has a superb sandy beach and numerous little islands at the entrance to its bay, lies 9 km. north-east of Astypalea town. At the end of the village is the little church of the Analipsi and a short distance away are the remains of an Early Christian basilica with some notable mosaics and the church of Agia Varvara. Some Hellenestic mosaics have also been discovered, which are amongst the finest and best preserved in Greece.
Other small settlements on the island include VATHY at the head of a sheltered bay, LIVADI and AGIOS KONSTANTINOS.
In Vathy, it is worth visiting ‘Drakos’ cave with an impressive stalactite interior.
Livadi is a coastal settlement located 3 km. from Chora. It has the most beautiful beach of Astypalea ideal for water sports. In Livadi there are rooms to let, restaurants, taverns, café and bars for your nightlife.
BEACHES
In Astypalea the visitor can enjoy the clean fine beaches, water sports and walks. Most famous beaches are Livadi, Agios Konstantinos, Vatses, Kaminakia, Marmari, Steno, Pera Gialos and Pachia Ammos.
Tzanaki , a beautiful beach with crystal waters, attracts a lot of nudists. Excursions by boat from the harbor can take visitors on a lovely trip around the coast of the island.
TRADITION – EVENTS
On 15th August takes place at Panagia Kastrou the biggest feast of the island with traditional music and local food. At the capital is also organized every year, an important cultural festival.
LOCAL PRODUCTS – CUISINE
In the taverns at Chora you can try the local specialities (honey, xerotigana, pougia- cheese pie made from kopanisti cheese and honey- kopanisti cheese and other local cheeses as ladotyri and myzithra).
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